Sample Reading Mini-Lesson from Readers Workshop

Readers use what they already know (SCHEMA; background knowledge) to understand what they are reading. Readers activate their background knowledge before, during, and after reading.

SEP

OCT

Nov

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

SCHEMA
What you directly know. Your background knowledge.
Seen Rainbow Hedgehog Popcorn Lemon Mackinaw Bridge Campfire 17 5 17 17 8 17 0 1 17 6 8 17

Felt 0 1 17 0 0 17 Heard

Tasted 0 0 17 6 0 0 0 1 17 6 0 17 Smelled

Experienced 17 5 17 17 8 17

Defining SCHEMA: Where does SCHEMA come from?

Share that today the class will learn more about what SCHEMA is. Share that you have brought several items into school today to help define what SCHEMA is. SCHEMA is everything you hear:

SCHEMA Tally Chart Pictures: Mackinac Bridge Rainbow Hedgehog Campfire Items: Popcorn Popper & Popcorn Lemon Wood & Matches Sounds: Campfire Popcorn Popping Hedgehog Snuffling

With each item, share the picture, item and/or sound. Allow for brief conversation. Tally the number of individuals in the classroom that have seen, felt, heard, tasted or smelled the item (any sensory experience). For the seen category, count seeing it in person, in print, or in digital form. Once finished, conclude that our SCHEMA comes from our experiences. Things we see, feel, hear, taste and smell are a part of our SCHEMA.

Sample Writing Mini-Lesson from Writers Workshop